Racing Yacht Maserati prepares for attempt at Cadiz-San Salvador speed record
(3884 miles)
Giovanni Soldini in the North Atlantic with a 7-man crew

Milan, 26 January 2012 -- The first ambitious challenge at a speed record in the North Atlantic by Giovanni Soldini and Maserati was announced today in Milan. As from early February Soldini and a crew of seven will be engaged in seeking to become the new record holders between Cadiz (Spain) and San Salvador (Bahamas) on board Maserati, which has been completely overhauled.

In addition to skipper Soldini, Maserati will be crewed by 7 capable yachtsmen with a past track record in open ocean-going regattas and in competitions such as the Americas Cup. German Boris Herrmann (navigator), American Brad Van Liew (watch leader) and Spaniard David Vera (watch leader) will make up a team completed by four Italians: Gabriele Olivo (trimmer), Guido Broggi (boat captain), Gerardo Siciliano (second bowman), and Corrado Rossignoli (first bowman).

The record for Cadiz-San Salvador run, 3884 miles long, is monitored by the World Sailing Speed Record Council, the international body that gives official status to the fastest sailing times along the historical routes once plied by clippers. In the past the record was set only by maxi trimarans. Maserati will attempt to be the first to establish the record for the monohull category.

The challenge is a demanding one, given the length and the difficulty of the route, explains Soldini. During the first part our concerns will be with the area of high pressure blocking our path about the Azores. During the second part the difficulties will be posed by fronts and depressions which, if too low, will slow the boat down. At the same time its great to have a chance like this and I am delighted with the entire crew.

Backing for this challenge is provided by Maserati, the main partner in the endeavour, which gives its name to the boat. It is flanked by the Swiss bank BSI (Generali Group), and by Generali, which features in the capacity of co-sponsor. The official suppliers to the undertaking are Vodafone Italia, Murphy&Nye, Bulgari, Official Time Keeper, and Boero Bartolomeo S.p.A.

Those interested in live coverage of the yachting ventures of Maserati should go to the new Giovanni Soldini-Maserati site (www.maserati.soldini.it), which will be available online in a matter of days. In addition to news, video footage, and photos directly from the boat, browsers can be sure to find reports on the meteorological conditions and to keep tabs on the position and the speed of Maserati.

News will provided on the three record attempts, as well as on movements between regatta locations and the onshore preparatory work and there will be constant updates using the prominent social media, such as facebook, twitter, and youtube, shown on the home page.

MASERATI

This display of support and involvement by Maserati regarding this major Italian project in sport and technology, confirms its role as a world ambassador for that level of excellence for which Italy is known. Maserati gives zealous expression to that excellence every day in 65 countries worldwide through high-quality successful products such as Quattroporte, GranTurismo, and GranCabrio. The performance of these cars on the road match those of Giovanni Soldini and Maserati on water.

BSI and Generali

BSI, one of the most longstanding banks in Switzerland, specialises in private wealth management through high-level global management. BSI, which is fully controlled by the Generali Group, currently fields a presence on the major international financial markets, notably Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Generali, a major international insurance group, operates in over 60 countries. It boasts a robust footprint in Europe, EEC Member States, Asia, and Latin America, and serves over 70 million customers. A European leader in the life insurance sector, the General Group manages assets of over 400 billion.